UNILAG Pharmacy Students Holds Symposium, Propose Local Sourcing of materials to Combat Rising Drug Prices
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PAN) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently hosted a symposium to address the persistent challenges posed in the hike in drug prices in the nation’s pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Foluke Ayeni, the Sub-Dean, emphasized the importance of government support in enabling local drug manufacturing to keep prices affordable for patients.
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The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PAN) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently hosted a symposium to address the persistent challenges posed in the hike in drug prices in the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.
The event, themed “Turning Innovation into Impactful Pharma-solutions,” was organized by the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), University of Lagos chapter, during their Annual Health Week Symposium. It brought together experts, students, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving the pharmaceutical sector.
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Adeshina Opanubi, the Lead Consultant of Pharmalliance and keynote speaker at the symposium, highlighted the importance of sourcing pharmaceutical products locally to combat the challenges facing the industry., He stated, “Import substitution is crucial for building a sustainable and robust local industry. Companies should focus on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to reduce dependence on imports.”
Opanubi stressed the need for innovation as a solution, defining it as proposing alternatives that bring economic and behavioral benefits.
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Professor Gloria Ayoola, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at UNILAG, commended the pharmacy students for focusing on innovation and its practical applications. She highlighted the role of innovation in producing drugs for treatment and improving healthcare outcomes. “We innovate to improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery, and ultimately save lives", she explained.
Dr. Foluke Ayeni, the Sub-Dean, emphasized the importance of government support in enabling local drug manufacturing to keep prices affordable for patients. She emphasized the need for access to raw materials to reduce drug prices for the population. Ayeni noted that manufacturing drugs locally would make medications more accessible to patients at affordable prices.
President of PANS, UNILAG chapter, Oluwanifesimi Agbede, emphasized the annual nature of the symposium, which encourages pharmacy students to strive for excellence in the field.
